Purpose

The purpose of the GGS survey is to measure the employment associated with the production of green goods and services from sampled establishments.

Scope

BLS has identified 325 detailed industries (6-digit NAICS) as potential producers of green goods and services. This industry list (PDF) (XLS) constitutes the scope for the GGS survey. Within these industries, the survey will identify establishments that produce green goods and services and estimate the number of jobs associated with the production of green goods and services.

Definition

BLS has developed the following definition of green jobs for use in data collection:

Green jobs are jobs in businesses that produce goods and provide services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources.

These goods and services are sold to customers, and include research and development, installation, and maintenance services. Green goods and services fall into one or more of the following five categories:

Energy efficiency. Products and services that improve energy efficiency. Included in this group are energy-efficient equipment, appliances, buildings, and vehicles, as well as products and services that improve the energy efficiency of buildings and the efficiency of energy storage and distribution, such as Smart Grid technologies.

Pollution reduction and removal, greenhouse gas reduction, and recycling and reuse. These are products and services that:

Reduce or eliminate the creation or release of pollutants or toxic compounds, or remove pollutants or hazardous waste from the environment.

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through methods other than renewable energy generation and energy efficiency, such as electricity generated from nuclear sources.

Natural resources conservation. Products and services that conserve natural resources. Included in this group are products and services related to organic agriculture and sustainable forestry; land management; soil, water, or wildlife conservation; and stormwater management.

Environmental compliance, education and training, and public awareness. These are products and services that:

Enforce environmental regulations.

Provide education and training related to green technologies and practices.

Increase public awareness of environmental issues.

Data

The GGS survey provides data on the total number of jobs related to production of green goods and services. These green jobs will be tabulated by industry and by ownership for the nation, States, and the District of Columbia.